In the original case, Pirker had argued that his Zephyr was a model airplane and since it was not legally an aircraft, the FAA had no right to regulate it. The FAA prevailed, but a National Transportation Safety Board judge later overturned the case agreeing with Pirker.

But that decision was itself overturned which means that small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are considered aircraft (“any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air”) and therefore was governed by the FAA.)

According to the terms of the settlement, Pirker is paying $1000 rather than the original amount of $10,000. He does not admit guilt, and the FAA is dropping some of its other accusations against him.

The Sigma 200 – 500mm with a Nikon F mount is an amazing lens. It has an aperture of F2.8 at the 500mm end and F5.6 at the 1000mm focal length. It’s a heavy one at 35 pounds. It’s pretty amazing. The only real catch I see is its price : $25,999.00. The customer reviewers […]